The US is preparing peace for Ukraine with Russia: the price may be Crimea and beyond
18 April 18:15
In April 2025, the administration of US President Donald Trump presented a new peace initiative to end the war in Ukraine. The proposal envisages freezing the conflict on the current front lines, keeping the occupied territories under Russian control, and Ukraine’s refusal to join NATO, "Komersant Ukrainian" writes, citing Bloomberg.
In response, the US is ready to ease sanctions against Russia.
Key elements of the peace plan
According to information obtained during the meetings in Paris, the United States proposed:
Freezing the conflict. Maintaining the current front lines, which actually means recognizing Russia’s control over the occupied territories.
Ukraine’s refusal to join NATO. Excluding the prospect of Ukraine’s membership in the Alliance.
Easing sanctions against Russia. Gradual lifting of restrictions in exchange for a cessation of hostilities.
These proposals were discussed during meetings between representatives of the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
Reaction of Ukraine and the international community
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly rejected the proposals that would maintain Russian control over Ukrainian territories and abandon Euro-Atlantic integration. He emphasized that Ukraine will not accept any conditions that violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ukraine’s European allies have also expressed concern about the possible lifting of sanctions against Russia without the complete withdrawal of its troops from Ukrainian territory. They emphasized the need to provide long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.
Prospects for the implementation of the peace plan
Despite the optimism of some representatives of the Trump administration, the implementation of the proposed peace plan faces a number of challenges:
Lack of Ukraine’s consent. Kyiv insists on the full restoration of its territorial integrity and is not ready for compromises that involve the loss of sovereignty.
Skepticism of European allies. Many EU countries believe that easing sanctions without real concessions from Russia could be perceived as a weakness of the West.
Uncertainty of Russia’s position. The Kremlin continues to fight and shows no willingness to compromise, which casts doubt on the effectiveness of the proposed plan.
Thus, the peace plan proposed by the United States is an attempt to find a compromise solution to end the war in Ukraine. However, given Kyiv’s tough stance on sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the cautiousness of its European allies, the plan’s implementation seems unlikely without significant changes in the approaches of all parties to the conflict.
Further negotiations and diplomatic efforts will be necessary to achieve a sustainable peace that takes into account Ukraine’s interests and security, as well as ensures stability in the region.
Peace or frozen conflict? Why the new US initiative is causing controversy among Ukraine’s allies
Washington’s peace initiative, proposed in April 2025, has become a catalyst for heated debate in political circles and among experts. On the one hand, there is a desire to end the protracted war, and on the other hand, there are real risks of legalizing military aggression and revising the international order. The Trump administration’s plan contains compromise proposals that cause serious concern in Kyiv and European capitals.
The main question is what does the “freezing of war” mean for Ukraine? This is not peace in the classical sense, but a ceasefire without resolving key issues: the status of the occupied territories, security guarantees, and international legal recognition. For Kyiv, such an agreement could become a trap that would negate the sacrifices and efforts to restore territorial integrity.
President Zelenskyy has already stated that “Ukrainian lands are not a subject of bargaining,” and therefore talks about territories are possible only after the end of hostilities.
At the same time, the United States is showing less and less patience. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has explicitly stated that Washington does not plan to drag out negotiations for “weeks and months.” This is a signal that geopolitical expediency is beginning to outweigh a principled position on Ukraine’s sovereignty. This approach sets a dangerous precedent – justifying aggression in exchange for geopolitical “order.”
No less worrisome is the issue of sanctions. The idea of easing them in exchange for a ceasefire contradicts the position of some EU countries, which emphasize that sanctions are an instrument of pressure, not a diplomatic bargaining chip. Their lifting without the full restoration of Ukraine’s control over all territories could lead to further erosion of international law standards.
European partners are trying to influence the situation by proposing the creation of a post-war “peacekeeping force” and a package of security guarantees for Ukraine. However, without U.S. support, this plan looks like a half-orphan. And most importantly, without Russia’s political will to adhere to the agreements, all plans remain on paper.
Ultimately, the US peace initiative is only the beginning of a new stage of the struggle for Ukraine’s future: diplomatic, legal, and symbolic. But right now, the answer to the key question is being formed: will peace mean justice or will it become a convenient cover for surrender?
Читайте нас у Telegram: головні новини коротко
